Itโs that time again! October isnโt just pumpkin spice seasonโฆ It’s Orthodontic Health Month and National Bullying Prevention Month โ two very important reasons to raise awareness.
Itโs the perfect time to celebrate the power of a healthy smile: one that improves your health, boosts your confidence, and encourages you to spread kindness to those around you.
At Matsumoto Orthodontics, Dr. Ken Matsumoto, the only dual-trained and board-certified orthodontist in Wilmington, is proud to join in by sharing why orthodontics matters, how far treatment has come, and how powerful a confident smile can be (for yourself, and for others.)
Weโve got a lot to cover this month; letโs dive in!
TL;DR: Orthodontic Health Month at a Glance
- Orthodontic Health Month happens every October to celebrate smiles and raise awareness about the benefits of orthodontic care.
- Orthodontics isnโt just cosmetic โ treatment can improve your bite, protect oral health, support a healthy airway, and boost confidence.
- Smiling has powerful benefits, from lifting your mood to helping you feel more approachable and joyful.
- October is also Bullying Prevention Month โ and a confident smile, paired with everyday kindness, can help kids and teens feel more secure and supported.
- Fall is the perfect time to start treatment: use end-of-year FSA benefits, get holiday-ready, and start fresh for the new year.
- Orthodontics benefits smiles at every age โ from early checkups for kids, to efficient treatment for teens, to discreet, modern options for adults.
- Our doctor offers a detailed smile exam & consultation in Wilmington, NC!
A Quick History of Orthodontic Health Month
Orthodontic Health Month was created by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) โ and Dr. Matsumoto is a proud, active member of the AAO!
Each October, this month serves as a reminder of how valuable orthodontic care can be for patients of all ages โ from a childโs very first checkup at age 6, to adults well into their 70s.
And letโs be honest; weโll take any excuse to celebrate smiles (and sneak in a few fun facts while weโre at it). Orthodontic Health Month is about raising awareness of the many ways treatment goes far beyond creating a beautiful smile.
From improving oral health and bite function to boosting confidence and overall well-being, orthodontics can truly help your family live healthier, happier lives.
Orthodontics isnโt Just for Kids โ and Itโs Not Just Cosmetic
Spoiler alert: braces and Invisalignยฎ arenโt just for kids, and orthodontics isnโt just about straightening teeth. The truth is, common orthodontic issues impact so much more than your smileโs appearance.
At Matsumoto Orthodontics & Periodontics, Dr. Matsumoto brings a comprehensive, holistic approach to every smile. Heโs not just looking at the alignment of your teeth, but the development of your jaw bones and your airway structure too.
Orthodontics can help with:
- Correcting bite problems (like overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite)
- Improving chewing and speech
- Reducing the risk of gum disease, cavities, and jaw pain
- Supporting long-term dental health and stability
- Promoting a healthy airway and improving breathing
- Improving sleep quality and treating snoring
And of course, orthodontic treatment gives you a beautiful smile โ one that can significantly improve your confidence, inspire you to pursue new opportunities, and bring more joy into your everyday life.
Confidence Backed by Research
Itโs not just our patients who notice the difference a healthy smile can make โ research published in the National Library of Medicine supports it too.
- Studies show that people who feel good about the appearance of their teeth are more likely to experience higher self-confidence and enjoy positive social interactions.ยน
While orthodontic treatment isnโt the only factor that shapes confidence, it can play a meaningful role in helping you feel like your best self every day.
Fun Facts About Smiling
Smiles do more than look good โ theyโre powerful! Check out these fun smile facts you might not have known:
- Smiling can actually boost your mood by triggering the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin.
- People who smile often are perceived as more approachable, trustworthy, and confident.
- Itโs easier to smile when you love your smile โ which is why orthodontics can have such a big impact on daily happiness.
- Smiling is contagious: research shows that seeing someone smile makes you more likely to smile too.
- On average, kids smile 400 times a day, while adults smile far less (around 20 times a day!) โ but orthodontics can help bring back that carefree confidence.
- Smiling has even been linked to living longer โ one more reason to show yours off every chance you get!
Smiles, Kindness & Bullying Prevention Month
October isnโt just Orthodontic Health Month โ itโs also National Bullying Prevention Month! And the two go hand-in-hand: healthy, confident smiles can change not only how you feel about yourself, but also how you show up for others.
Confidence from a healthy smile can empower kids, teens, and adults to stand tall against bullying. But confidence isnโt just about how you feel; itโs also about the kindness and encouragement you share with the people around you.
Confidence and kindness are the best gifts you can pass on! Every smile, kind word, or moment of support helps others feel seen, safe, and valued โ thatโs the kind of impact that lasts.
Here are a few simple ways to spread positivity this month:
- Smile at someone new. You never know whose day you might brighten with something as simple as a smile in the hallway, at the grocery store, or across the classroom.
- Be kind with your words. A compliment, encouragement, or even a friendly hello can make a big difference.
- Step in if someoneโs being bullied. Smiles are powerful, but actions speak volumes too. If you see someone being treated unfairly, standing up for them shows courage and spreads compassion. Tell a trusted adult so youโre not handling it alone!
At Matsumoto Orthodontics, we believe smiles should never be a source of insecurity. This month, letโs celebrate the confidence orthodontics can bring โ and use our smiles to spread kindness everywhere we go.
And if youโre ready to share more smiles this season, fall is the perfect time to start your orthodontic journeyโฆ
Why Fall is the Perfect Time to Start Orthodontic Treatment
Fall is all about fresh starts โ Wilmington schools are back in session, routines are settling in, and the holiday season is just around the corner. That makes it the perfect time to begin your smile transformation!
- End-of-year benefits: Donโt let your coverage or FSA dollars go to waste! Most dental insurance plans reset in January, and FSA funds expire at yearโs end. Now is the time to maximize your benefits before they disappear.
- Back-to-school confidence: Teens can start treatment now and settle in before yearbook photos, sports seasons, and school events.
- Holiday-ready smiles: Starting treatment now means your smile is already improving by the time family gatherings and holiday photos roll around.
- Cozy vibes, big changes: Shorter days and cooler weather mean more time indoors โ and itโs the perfect season to focus on long-term goals like a healthier, more confident smile.
- No dentist referral needed: You donโt need a referral from your dentist to get braces or clear aligners! You get to take your smile into your own hands, and book your own consultation.
Why Orthodontic Care Matters at Every Age
A healthy smile has no age limit, and treatment can benefit patients at every stage:
Orthodontics for Kids
The AAO recommends a childโs first orthodontic checkup no later than age 7. Early checkups give us the chance to guide jaw growth, create space for incoming teeth, and prevent small problems from becoming bigger ones in the coming years.
This doesnโt always mean treatment is needed right away. In many cases, Dr. Matsumoto (your experienced childrenโs orthodontist) will simply monitor growth and development until the timing is right โ but early visits and early intervention give us the chance to catch issues before they become bigger concerns.
Orthodontics for Teens
For many patients, treatment happens in the teen years, when permanent teeth are in and growth is still ongoing. Braces or clear aligners at this age can be highly efficient, since weโre aligning the teeth and guiding jaw bones while theyโre still growing.
Orthodontic treatment during the teen years also comes with a big confidence boost โ helping teens feel more comfortable in their own skin during some of the most formative years of their life.
Orthodontics for Adults
If you never had braces as a child, or you did but stopped wearing your retainer, or youโve been dealing with bite or jaw issues for years, adult orthodontics can make a significant difference in your day-to-day life.
And nowadays, itโs easier than ever with modern orthodontic treatments:
- Invisalignยฎ: Virtually-invisible, removable clear aligners
- Advanced self-ligating (tie-less) braces: Choose clear braces or metal โ theyโre made for comfort, efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
- MSE & MARPE treatment: Specialized care to treat the structure of the smile, before aligning teeth
No matter your age, itโs never too late to enjoy the benefits of a healthier, more confident smile.
Todayโs Orthodontics: Faster, Easier, More Personal
Orthodontics has come a long way from bulky headgear and one-size-fits-all braces. What once felt like a long, uncomfortable process is now designed around comfort, efficiency, and your lifestyle
At Matsumoto Orthodontics, we bring you the latest technologies and personalized care with:
- BRIUSยฎ braces are truly invisible. Positioning on the tongue-side surface of the teeth makes these braces out of sight!
- Invisalignยฎ Clear aligners are removable, nearly invisible, and designed to fit seamlessly into your routine.
- Clear, self-ligating braces are tie-less, and made to blend in with your teeth, giving you a more discreet and hygienic transformation.
- Flexible financing options mean you decide how to pay for treatment, and weโll work with you to create a payment plan that fits your budget. Choose from flexible financing with in-house payment plans or LendingPoint for outside financing.
- Digital imaging technology makes smile scans quick and comfortable, without the need for messy, goopy impressions.
If youโre starting treatment now, youโre in the best spot yet. Care is more personalized, efficient, and comfortable than ever before.
Celebrate Orthodontic Health Month with Us!
Orthodontic Health Month is a reminder that your smile matters at every age. And since October is also Bullying Prevention Month, itโs a great time to remember how powerful smiles can be.
Smiles arenโt just for building your own confidence, theyโre for spreading kindness, standing up for others, and making the world a friendlier place.
Whether youโre bringing your child in for their first checkup or finally ready to treat yourself, Dr. Matsumoto and his dedicated team are here to make the process simple, comfortable, and rewarding.
Book your personalized consultation at our orthodontic offices in Wilmington NC and letโs make this month about stronger smiles, greater confidence, and more kindness all around.
